I decided to check my VVT solenoids and found both have debris on the center port. Part throttle performance is sluggish but no codes. I haven’t pulled the valve cover to look around yet. I’m suspecting that the chain guides have started wearing out. Has almost 143,000 miles. I cleaned the solenoids and reinstalled as I need to drive the car this weekend. What do you guys think?

 

That's typically the timing chain grinding away at the aluminum engine block. Broken guide(s) and/or stretched chain and tensioner is on the verge of failure.

You should at least pull the valve cover and see if the chain is still tight before you even crank the engine over any more.

 

Thanks, i’ll try to take a look in the morning. What’s the best timing chain kit to use if it’s the chain and/or guides going bad? How difficult is it to do on an HHR without pulling the engine?

 

https://www.chevyhhr.net/forums/how-...in-kits-60394/

 

Plan on ordering
Cloyes 9-4201-SX timing chain kit and 9-4202-SX balance shaft kit and be solenoids.
Inspect the inside of the valve cover for chain damage you might need a valve cover !


This much slack was enough wear thru the top guide and damage the front guide.

 

Thanks for the info...I pulled the valve cover this morning and nothing obviously wrong except for slack in the chain.
The valve cover doesn't show any witness marks where the chain may have been hitting it.
Here's a few pics and a video of the chain slack.
I can see where the chain is contacting something as the gold color is worn off on the outer part of the chain.
What are the chances that replacing the tensioner will take care of this?
How risky is it to drive like this?

Removed valve cover.

Sprockets and chain.

Close-up of chain.

 

Do not try to start your HHR, order those kits , you save money because they don’t include sprockets. Here’s a step by step tutorial

https://www.ddmworks.com/assets/imag...uild%20Kit.pdf

 

Zero.

 

How difficult is it to replace the chains with the engine in the car?
Any YouTube videos you recommend?

 

It’s straight forward, you will need to lower the engine to get the water pump bolt out. Be very carful setting the crankshaft to #1 TDC . You can get to all the bolts from the top and bottom.